Foster has returned to the Broncos as a fifth-year senior after missing the final 12 games last season following a DUI arrest. Also returning for a fifth-year season is forward/center Marc Trasolini, who missed all of 2011-12 because of a torn ACL.

Almost all of last season's roster returns. You can look at that two ways: One, the Broncos have a lot of players who haven't figured out how to win. Or, two, the Broncos have a lot of experienced, hungry players.

Keating said the losing streak "undoubtedly made us so much stronger and so much closer. It's totally refocused everyone in our program as to what is really, really important as it relates to helping us win."

Foster certainly can help the Broncos win. He has averaged 17.8 points per game in his career and ranks first in school history in three-pointers with 311.

Considering the circumstances of last season and considering Foster had spent four years at Santa Clara, he understandably could have opted not to rejoin the Broncos. So, why did he?

"I didn't want to leave on this note," Foster said. "I love Santa Clara. I love everything it has to offer, and I wanted to make sure I graduate and make my mom happy, make myself happy - and finish this season on a positive note."

Weight has been a problem for Foster. He said he has lost 29 pounds. Santa Clara lists him at 6-foot-2, 211.

"Very, very rarely do you get second chances in life to make first impressions," Keating said of Foster, "but he did. He made another great first impression."

Trasolini (6-9, 240) averaged 12.8 points and 6.1 rebounds per game in 2010-11. He has impressed Foster this fall.

"Marc's bulked up a lot," Foster said. "He's got a lot of confidence."

When Foster and junior Evan Roquemore click, they rate as a dynamic backcourt. In the Broncos' exhibition game, Keating started Foster, Roquemore, swingman Raymond Cowels III, 6-8 Niyi Harrison and Trasolini. That's four seniors and a junior.

And back to that tough-to-contain optimism ...

"The guys are excited because they know this is the most talented team we've had," said Keating, who's entering his sixth season at Santa Clara. "They're excited because they see that Marc is back full, Kevin's come back recommitted, they busted their butt in their own right, and now you put all these pieces together and we've got a pretty good team."

Top 5

Senior guard Kevin Foster ranks fourth on the Broncos' career scoring list. Barring injury, he should overtake Kurt Rambis for the top spot before Thanksgiving: